2006 Mazda Tribute

Asking Price Range

Estimated MPG

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), also known as "sticker" price, is a recommended selling price that automakers give a new car that is above the invoice price paid by the dealer. It is a price that does not include any options that can be added to a particular car style. When shown as a range, the prices are starting MSRPs, without options, for multiple styles for that model.

This price range reflects for-sale prices on Cars.com for this particular make, model and year.

These city and highway gas mileage estimates are for the model's standard trim configurations. Where there are optional features, packages or equipment that result in higher gas mileage, those fuel-economy estimates are not included here.

Summary

Expert Reviews 1 of 2

By Jim Flammang

Cars.com National

September 6, 2005

Vehicle OverviewFord owns a controlling interest in Mazda, so there's a close kinship between the popular Ford Escape sport utility vehicle and the related Mazda Tribute. Both SUVs were introduced for the 2001 model year and upgraded for 2005. When comparing the two, you'll find subtle styling differences, unique interior features in each and different suspension tuning.

Serving as the sportier member of the pair, the car-based Tribute attracts considerable interest even if its sales totals lag well behind the Escape's. Both models compete against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

New Tribute i and s trim levels replaced the previous DX, LX and ES for 2005. A new 2.3-liter four-cylinder in i models produced 153 horsepower, versus 130 hp in the prior version. For the first time, four-cylinder models could be equipped with an automatic transmission. Little has changed for the 2006 model year.

Front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available, but the Tribute and Escape aren't considered true offroad machines. Mazda says its intelligent full-time Active Torque Control Coupling four-wheel-drive system reacts faster than a hydraulic unit.

ExteriorThe Tribute has the same overall shape as the Escape but features unique exterior trim and a different grille and headlamps, which were redesigned for 2005. Both SUVs exhibit a conventional small-SUV profile, with similar dimensions. The rear fascia has vertical taillights, and alloy wheels hold 16-inch tires. The rear liftgate contains flip-up glass.

InteriorEach Tribute carries five people on twin bucket seats up front and a three-place, 60/40-split, folding rear seat. Tributes have a floor-mounted gearshift, and the standard 100-watt CD stereo can feature Sirius Satellite Radio. Leather upholstery, heated front seats and side mirrors, and a power driver's seat are optional.

Under the HoodTribute i models get a 153-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder. A 200-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 that produces 193 pounds-feet of torque goes into s models. The four-cylinder teams with a four-speed-automatic transmission or a five-speed manual, while the V-6 is available only with the automatic. Tributes can be equipped with front-wheel drive or a four-wheel-drive system that engages automatically but has no low-range gearing.

Driving ImpressionsIn its previous form, the Tribute drew mixed reactions, but its sporty nature earned high marks. Tributes are quieter than they used to be, and energetic V-6 throttle response is satisfying. Automatic-transmission shifts are barely noticeable, and downshifts for passing and merging come swiftly.

Steering with a somewhat light touch, the Tribute handles adeptly. Occasionally, a floating sensation makes the driver feel less than fully connected to the highway.